The Battle of the Books

The Battle of the Books is a novel written by Jonathan Swift and first published in 1710.

This novel is a satirical allegory that explores the conflict between ancient and modern knowledge.

Set in a library, the story imagines a literal battle between books representing classical authors (such as Homer and Aristotle) and modern writers (such as Descartes).

Through witty and exaggerated descriptions, Swift criticises the intellectual disputes of his time, in particular the controversy over the relative value of ancient and contemporary knowledge. The work reflects Swift's sharp humour and his defence of classical traditions in literature and philosophy.

"Whoever examines, with due circumspection, into the annual records of time[1], will find it remarked, that war is the child of pride, and pride the daughter of riches: the former of which assertions, may be soon granted; but one cannot so easily subscribe to the latter: for pride, is nearly related to beggary and want, either by father or mother, and sometimes by both; and, to speak naturally, it very seldom happens among men to fall out[2], when all have enough; invasions usually travelling from, north to south, that is to say, from poverty to plenty."